Category: Nigerian Tribune

Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, David Ibiyeomie, has explained why Christians may struggle to win Nigerians to Christ if they focus on preaching about hell rather than the love and compassion of Jesus Christ.

Ibiyeomie said many Nigerians were already dealing with severe economic hardship, making messages centred on the consequences of hell less effective in evangelism.

He stated this on Sunday while delivering a sermon titled, ‘The Power of Compassion’.

According to him, Christians should approach people facing hardship with compassion and assure them that God loves them and can change their circumstances.

‘You can imagine preaching hell to Nigerians; they are already in hell. There is no way you will preach hell to Nigerians, and anybody will be born again.

‘Just tell them God loves you; He can change your story. Come to Jesus. But if you say, ‘You’ll go to hell,’ the man will say, ‘The suffering wey I dey suffer now, na wetin e be?’

‘That kind of message can’t convert one soul. You go there and say, ‘If you don’t convert to Jesus, you are going to hell.’ The man will say he has not even seen food to eat, he has not bought petrol; already, he is in hell.’

Ibiyeomie said Christians should instead communicate the love of Christ to people regardless of their circumstances and assure them of God’s mercy.

‘Compassion will make you tell them Jesus loves you. In spite of what you’re going through, He will show you His mercy. Compassion is the greatest tool that brings people to Christ. It is from your heart,’ he said.

The pastor said God himself is compassionate and urged Christians to demonstrate the same quality in their dealings with others.

Citing Psalm 103:8, he said, ‘The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.’

He added that God does not treat people according to their past mistakes and failures, stressing that those who have experienced God’s compassion should extend it to others.

Citing Ephesians 4:32, Ibiyeomie said, ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’

He described compassion as one of the strongest expressions of God’s nature, stressing that it goes beyond merely feeling sorry for another person.

According to him, compassion involves three things: seeing a person’s situation, caring about it, and taking action.

Ibiyeomie also said caring for people should not be limited to financial assistance, noting that Christians could use their faith and other means to help people in need.

Citing Acts 3:6, he said helping others could also involve exercising one’s faith on their behalf, stressing that while financial support may sometimes be necessary, true compassion goes beyond money.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published the name and personal particulars of Bilyaminu Shinkafi as the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Zamfara State.

The appearance of Shinkafi’s name on the list has put to rest speculation over who will contest the Zamfara governorship election under the ADC in the 2027 general elections.

The publication of the governorship candidates was made in accordance with Section 29(3) of the 2026 Electoral Act.

Supporters of Shinkafi described the confirmation of his candidacy by INEC as a milestone towards the ADC’s victory in the state.

According to the Zamfara-based supporters, Shinkafi’s confirmation by INEC has reassured ADC supporters and well-wishers that the party is on a clear path towards victory in the state in 2027, God willing.

Big Brother Naija Season 11 housemates, Sultan Aregbe-Obanikoro, popularly known as Sultex, and Lovette Okechukwu, popularly known as Goddessa, have been evicted from the Big Brother house.

Their eviction was announced during the live eviction show on Sunday, bringing their journey in the ‘Show Ya Sef’ house to an end.

Sultex and Goddessa were among the housemates nominated for possible eviction in the latest round of the competition.

Following their exit, 17 housemates remain in the race for the grand prize as the reality show enters another stage.

Their eviction comes after Martins, Mercedes, Kamsy and Cassi were previously evicted from the competition, while Neche voluntarily left the house.

Human rights activist and 2027 presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reacted to the suspension of his cybercrime trial by the Department of State Services (DSS), describing the development as a victory for resistance against oppression.

Sowore, in a statement, said the DSS had been ‘forced to eat humble pie’ after what he described as an unlawful and futile prosecution.

He said the development reinforced his belief that resistance against oppressive authorities could prevail, adding that he had faced similar battles under previous administrations.

‘From the brutal days of military dictatorship, through the dark years of Buhari, and now under the Tinubu regime, we have remained standing, resisting, organising, and fighting,’ he said.

Sowore called on the DSS to immediately withdraw the charge against him and apologise to Nigerians over what he described as an abuse of power.

He also demanded the return of his phones and other electronic devices allegedly seized by the security agency, as well as payment of the ?3 million fine imposed on the DSS by the courts.

He further demanded the immediate return of the phones and drone allegedly seized from his assistant, Zainab Sodiq.

Sowore said the suspension of the trial would not weaken his resolve, insisting that his struggle remained firm.

‘Our struggle remains firm. Our resolve is unbroken. We are unstoppable,’ he said.

More than 200 residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, have received free medical treatment for different ailments in Ibadan, capital city of Oyo state at the weekend.

The monthly free health mission was organised by Deway Natural Healthcare Services in collaboration with IRI FM as part of efforts to make basic healthcare services more accessible to residents particularly, the vulnerables.

The health outreach, which attracted residents from different parts of the city, provided participants of all age brackets with health assessments, medical consultations and access to various forms of treatment and health-related interventions at heavily discounted rates.

The initiative, according to the organisers, was conceived against the backdrop of rising healthcare costs and the difficulties faced by many vulnerable Nigerians in accessing medical services when health challenges arise.

Speaking on the programme, the Managing Director of Deway Natural Healthcare Services, Toyin Grace, said the initiative was designed to sensitise residents to the importance of prioritising their health rather than waiting until illness had become severe before seeking medical attention.

Grace said many people made financial plans for food, accommodation, education and other necessities but often failed to make adequate provisions for their health.

She said the consequences of such neglect could be devastating, noting that some people only realise the importance of good health after developing serious medical conditions that require substantial financial resources to manage.

According to her, the health mission was therefore an intervention aimed at bringing healthcare awareness and services closer to ordinary people, particularly those who may be unable to afford expensive medical care.

‘We realise that health is something very expensive. Somehow, people plan for every other thing except their health. People plan for food, they budget for a house, they budget for everything except their health,’ she said.

Grace explained that the organisation’s monthly health missions had continued to attract significant numbers of residents, with more than 100 people reportedly attended to on average during each outreach programme across its various locations.

She disclosed that the organisation had also taken the initiative beyond Ibadan, mentioning recent health missions in Akure in Ondo state, and Abeokuta in Ogun state.

She urged Nigerians to make regular health checks and preventive healthcare a priority, stressing that knowing one’s health status could help individuals take appropriate steps to protect their wellbeing.

‘You need to know the state of your health. It is when you know the state of your health that you know what you will take care of and how to take care of it,’ she said.

Grace further explained that Deway Natural Healthcare Services focuses on natural products, including fruits and vegetables, as part of its approach to healthcare, while also using diagnostic equipment to assess the condition of patients.

She said the organisation’s objective was not necessarily to undermine conventional medicine but to promote what she described as a complementary approach to healthcare.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Deway Natural Healthcare Services, Dr Joshua Adedeji, said the partnership with IRI FM began after discussions initiated earlier in the year 2026.

According to him, the partnership was established to primarily provide listeners of the radio station in Ibadan, Oyo State and beyond with access to health education and services.

Adedeji said the monthly programme commenced in May 2026 and had recorded encouraging participation since its inception with each month recording over 200 participants.

He explained that the organisation’s approach involved assessing patients before commencing treatment rather than merely treating symptoms.

‘At Deway Clinic, we don’t just treat symptoms. What we do is that we first of all check,’ he said.

Adediji claimed that the clinic has hybrid tech diagnostic machines capable of scanning various organs, cells and microorganisms, which he said were used to provide information about patients’ health conditions.

He stressed that the objective was to identify what he described as the underlying causes of health complaints before deciding on an appropriate intervention.

He said the organisation had been operating for almost a decade and had attended to thousands of people from Oyo State, other parts of Nigeria and outside the country.

The founder also disclosed that beneficiaries of the health mission were being offered a 75 per cent discount on relevant services, describing the initiative as a means of reducing the financial burden associated with quality healthcare.

He said the decision to offer substantial discounts was informed by the economic difficulties facing many Nigerians.

According to him, some patients are discouraged from seeking timely medical attention because of the amount of money required as deposits or initial treatment costs in some hospitals.

He said Deway’s flexible payment arrangements were intended to make healthcare services more accessible to people who might otherwise be unable to afford them.

Adedeji said the health mission was also intended to promote preventive healthcare by encouraging residents to understand their health status, pay attention to their diet and seek appropriate medical attention when necessary.

The outreach, according to him, forms part of a broader effort by Deway Natural Healthcare Services and its partners to take health awareness and services closer to members of the public, particularly those whose financial circumstances may limit their access to healthcare.

While the organisers highlighted the role of natural and preventive approaches, health experts generally advise patients with serious or persistent medical conditions to seek care from appropriately qualified healthcare professionals and not discontinue prescribed treatment without medical advice.

The programme’s committee chairman, Olajide Olarewaju, said the organisers had witnessed considerable participation and positive feedback from beneficiaries since the commencement of the health mission.

Olarewaju said the first edition attracted more than 300 people, while subsequent editions also recorded significant participation.

Speaking on the fourth edition, Olarewaju said although the number of beneficiaries initially appeared lower than that of the first edition, the attendance subsequently increased as residents continued to arrive at the venue.

He attributed the sustained participation to the growing awareness and acceptance of the programme among residents.

The organisers, however, expressed their commitment to sustaining the health mission and extending the initiative to other areas within the state outside of the state capital.

Chester Zoo has announced a remarkable breakthrough in veterinary medicine after successfully treating a cancer-stricken reticulated python using a combination of surgery and electrochemotherapy (ECT).

The 4.5-metre-long python, named Jodie Foster, underwent the pioneering treatment to remove and destroy a cancerous tumour affecting her jawbone. The procedure is believed to be the first time this combination of treatments has been used on a snake.

Jodie’s treatment began after Chester Zoo’s veterinary team discovered a serious tumour in her jaw that was interfering with her ability to eat. With her condition worsening and the possibility of losing her becoming increasingly real, veterinarians sought an innovative solution.

Working alongside cancer specialists from the University of Liverpool, the team adapted electrochemotherapy, a technique used to enhance the effectiveness of certain cancer treatments, to suit the anatomy and needs of a snake.

The procedure combined surgery with ECT, marking a significant milestone in the development of advanced treatments for reptiles and other animals.

According to Chester Zoo, Jodie underwent a 90-minute operation and has since made an excellent recovery. She is now cancer-free, has returned to eating normally and is back to her usual lively behaviour.

Her successful recovery has been welcomed by the veterinary team, who faced the difficult prospect of losing her because of the tumour’s impact on her ability to feed.

The outcome also demonstrates the potential of adapting established medical techniques to treat unusual and complex conditions in animals.

The success of Jodie’s treatment was made possible through close collaboration between Chester Zoo’s veterinary specialists and experts at the University of Liverpool.

The teams said they intend to formally publish details of the procedure so that veterinary professionals around the world can learn from the case, given that their findings could help inform future treatments for other animals suffering from similar cancers.

Jodie Foster’s case highlights how advances in veterinary medicine can emerge when specialists from different fields work together to tackle challenging cases.

The successful use of electrochemotherapy in a snake demonstrates that techniques originally developed or commonly used in other medical settings can potentially be adapted for a wide range of species.

As veterinary science continues to advance, collaborations between zoos, universities, researchers and veterinary professionals could lead to more innovative treatments and better outcomes for animals facing serious illnesses.

Nigerian-American gospel artist and Convener of 1-150 songs of Psalms, Evangelist John Kola-Idowu, on Friday charged the youth to embrace positive values to promote peace and tranquillity ahead of the country’s 2027 general elections.

He advised young Nigerians against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, hatred or division during the 2027 polls, saying their future leadership role should not be jettisoned for pecuniary gains from desperate politicians.

In a statement issued in Osogbo, Osun State capital, Kola-Idowu said: ‘At a time when our world faces conflicts, insecurity, social division and economic challenges, we need initiatives that encourage love, understanding, hope and peaceful coexistence.’

The cleric, who was quoted as having made this disclosure at the launch of the Psalms 1-150 Global Concert, Global Choir and Global Indigenous Worship Project in Osogbo, Osun State capital, described spiritual songs as a potential panacea for insecurity, social division, hopelessness and moral decline.

He said the spirit of the Songs of Psalms can inspire young people to choose hope over despair, unity over division and positive engagement over destructive behaviour.

‘We are calling on governments at all levels and world leaders to recognise the importance of peace-building, youth empowerment, cultural inclusion and moral development in addressing insecurity.

‘The fight against insecurity should go beyond security operations to address the social and moral conditions that contribute to violence, including hopelessness, intolerance and hatred’, Kola-Idowu stated, adding that’the messages of the Psalms can serve as spiritual encouragement and moral inspiration, promoting the values of peace, justice, righteousness and love.

‘We must pray that the 2027 general election will not divide us, but rather strengthen our commitment to unity, justice and peaceful coexistence,’ he said, while also urging religious leaders to preach peace and discourage their followers from engaging in electoral violence.

Evangelist Kola-Idowu, however, stressed that the Psalms 1-150 Global Concert, Global Choir and Global Indigenous Worship Project is more than a musical initiative but a movement to preserve languages, empower young people, promote peace, celebrate diversity and unite people across nations through worship.

Kola-Idowu hinted that the Global Concert will bring together established and emerging gospel singers, worship leaders and choirs from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas and other parts of the world, beginning with online participation before expanding to physical concerts in different countries.

Through the involvement of celebrated ministers such as Evangelist Bola Are, Yinka Alaseyori, Woli Agba and Mike Abdul, alongside numerous gospel singers, the project seeks to inspire a new generation of worshippers

Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe were on target as Real Madrid defeated Malaga 4-0 in La Liga on Sunday to maintain their perfect start under manager Jose Mourinho.

Bellingham opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a superb individual effort, collecting the ball 35 yards from goal before dribbling past three Malaga players and firing beyond goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero.

The England midfielder, who scored seven goals at the summer’s World Cup as the Three Lions finished third, has now scored twice this season.

Bellingham was involved again seven minutes later as Real doubled their lead.

Herrero parried a shot, but Bellingham headed the rebound towards goal before the ball bounced off the goalkeeper and crossed the line. The goal was credited as an own goal by Herrero.

Real extended their advantage to 3-0 after just 30 minutes, with Trent Alexander-Arnold providing the assist.

The England full-back, who was left out of the Three Lions’ World Cup squad, delivered a cross from the right that Mbappe superbly volleyed into the net.

Real completed the scoring in stoppage time when Vinicius Jr pulled the ball back from the byline following a quick counter-attack, allowing Arda Guler to tap home from close range.

After the match, Mourinho described Bellingham as an ‘incredible player’ and praised his influence on the team.

‘He is very demanding of himself and he is also demanding of others. I didn’t want to see him defend almost like a second left-back,’ Mourinho said.

The Portuguese manager also praised the attacking relationship between Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Mbappe, saying the trio have the quality and understanding to play together.

‘Very, very good players want to play together always, because they have the same speed of thought, the same quality and they always have to be compatible,’ Mourinho said.

‘It was said that I didn’t want the three, but what I say is that I always want the best. There is empathy and collective work. They are all very good.’

Mourinho returned as Real Madrid head coach in the summer after previously managing the Spanish giants from 2010 to 2013. During his first spell, he won the Copa del Rey in 2010-11 and La Liga the following season.

The victory leaves Real Madrid top of La Liga with nine points and Barcelona can join them on the same points on Monday if they defeat Rayo Vallecano at home.

Nigeria’s return to the FTSE Russell Frontier Market Index has opened a fresh window for the country to attract international investors and deepen liquidity in the domestic capital market, the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, has said.

FTSE Russell confirmed on Thursday that Nigeria’s reclassification from Unclassified to Frontier Market status will take effect from the market open on September 21, 2026, following a review of the country’s transition to the T+1 settlement cycle.

The decision is expected to restore Nigeria’s visibility among global portfolio investors after the country was removed from FTSE Russell’s equity country classification framework amid concerns over foreign exchange liquidity and the ability of international investors to repatriate capital.

Popoola said the immediate challenge for the Nigerian market was to convert the renewed international visibility into increased foreign participation, stronger trading liquidity and greater capital mobilisation for businesses.

‘This is an important moment for Nigeria’s capital market. But the real significance of returning to Frontier Market status is the opportunity it creates for the next phase of our market’s development,’ he said.

‘We have to turn greater international visibility into broader participation, deeper liquidity and more capital for Nigerian businesses.’

FTSE Russell’s decision followed an additional assessment of Nigeria’s T+1 settlement framework, which became operational on June 1, 2026.

International investors had raised concerns that the shorter settlement cycle could create a de facto prefunding requirement, potentially restricting foreign participation in Nigerian equities.

However, following engagements with Nigerian market authorities and feedback from the FTSE Equity Country Classification Advisory Committee, FTSE Russell said it had not identified any material settlement, operational or funding problems since the implementation of T+1.

The development provides a major validation of Nigeria’s market infrastructure and its ability to operate within a shorter settlement timeframe.

The reclassification process began in October 2025, when FTSE Russell placed Nigeria on its Watch List for possible reclassification, citing improvements in foreign exchange liquidity, capital repatriation and market accessibility.

NGX Group, the Securities and Exchange Commission, global custodians and institutional investors subsequently engaged with FTSE Russell to address concerns surrounding the settlement transition.

In July, an NGX Group delegation held further engagements with FTSE Russell, global custodians and institutional investors, providing evidence on the performance of the T+1 framework and measures being implemented to align Nigeria’s market infrastructure with international standards.

The Federal Government described the reclassification as another milestone in its capital market reform agenda.

Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said the development validated the country’s reform efforts and provided a platform for Nigeria to pursue its longer-term ambition of attaining Emerging Market status.

The Ministry also recognised the contributions of NGX Group, the SEC, the Central Bank of Nigeria, the Central Securities Clearing System and other market stakeholders to the outcome.

Popoola said NGX would continue to focus on improving the competitiveness of the Nigerian market and strengthening its contribution to economic growth.

‘Our ambition is to build a market that is increasingly competitive globally and more relevant to Nigeria’s economic growth,’ he said.

The FTSE decision comes as Nigeria seeks to strengthen the capital market’s role in mobilising long-term funding for infrastructure, businesses and broader economic development.

On August 6, the NGX Group Board met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where discussions focused on capital market reforms and the role of the market in supporting the country’s economic transformation.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s international market reclassification momentum is extending beyond FTSE Russell. SandP Dow Jones Indices has placed the country on its Watch List for possible reclassification to Frontier Market status under its 2027 Country Classification Annual Review.

The next step in the FTSE process will be the publication of the Frontier Index Series annual indicative review files from September 2, ahead of Nigeria’s formal reclassification on September 21.

For the Nigerian market, the immediate test will be whether the restored classification translates into actual foreign inflows, improved liquidity and a broader investor base.

Beyond the index label, market participants will be watching to see whether the reforms that secured Nigeria’s return to the Frontier Market universe can deliver sustained international participation and position the domestic exchange for eventual progression towards Emerging Market status.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and rights activist, Mr Femi Falana, on Sunday, called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to take what he described as decisive action against the illegal arrest and detention of citizens across the country.

The SAN, in a statement titled, ‘Time for NBA to Stop Illegal Arrest and Detention of Nigerian Citizens’, argued that the NBA, under its new leadership, must enforce existing laws designed to protect the rights of suspects.

Falana referenced Section 34 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, and Section 70 of the Nigeria Police Force Establishment Act, 2020, which mandate Chief Magistrates to conduct monthly visits to all police stations within their magisterial districts.

In his words, during such visits, Chief Magistrates are empowered to inspect arrest records, order suspects to be taken to court for arraignment or trial, and grant bail in deserving cases.

The human rights activist stressed that both laws also empower judges of the Federal High Court to visit other detention facilities within their jurisdiction to ensure that suspects are not detained beyond the constitutional limit, lamenting that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court has yet to designate judges for the task.

According to him, ‘We are compelled to call on the Nigerian Bar Association under the leadership of Mrs Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya to ensure that members of the Human Rights Committees of all the 145 branches of the Association make it a point of duty to accompany the Magistrates during the monthly visits and inspection of police stations.’

Falana equally tasked the leadership of the NBA with mounting pressure on the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to designate judges to conduct monthly visits to all detention facilities other than police stations.

The SAN also made reference to Section 21 of the Nigerian Correctional Service Act, 2019, which makes the President and national officers of the NBA official visitors to all correctional centres in the country, calling on them to immediately carry out their statutory duties.

Falana cited the judgment in The Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar v Police Service Commission and Ors (Suit No: NICN/ABJ/264/2025), where Justice O. Y. Anuwe of the National Industrial Court declared that police authorities have a mandatory duty to deploy police officers who are legal practitioners to every police division to enforce human rights in policing, as mandated by Section 66(3) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.

‘In line with the terms of this judgment, the new NBA leadership should ensure that police officers who are legal practitioners are assigned to every police station to monitor the observance of the human rights of suspects,’ the SAN stated.

Falana added that the NBA should invoke relevant laws to end the illegal arrest and detention of indigent citizens by the police and other law enforcement agencies.